Tinubu Signs New NIMC Law to Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Identity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation and introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, cybersecurity and electronic trust services.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which announced the development in a statement on Friday signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, described the new law as a landmark reform that would modernise identity management and support the country’s digital economy.

According to the Commission, the Act positions NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), making it the nation’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services across public and private sector platforms.

It said the legislation also empowers the Commission to facilitate secure, interoperable and seamless exchange of data among government institutions, financial organisations and other authorised entities, providing the legal foundation for a trusted digital ecosystem.

NIMC noted that the reform aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by accelerating digital transformation, improving public service delivery, strengthening national security and expanding financial and social inclusion.

The Commission explained that the new legislation became necessary because the identity management framework established in 2007 no longer reflected today’s realities of e-governance, digital commerce, increasing cybersecurity threats and stricter data protection requirements.

According to the statement, the Act strengthens the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s foundational identity credential, reinforces the principle of “One Person, One Identity,” and enhances identity verification across government and private sector platforms.

Among its key provisions are stronger safeguards for personal data in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, formal recognition of both physical and digital identity credentials linked to the NIN, and tougher penalties for multiple registrations, identity theft and impersonation.

The legislation also introduces special identity provisions for vulnerable and underserved populations, including persons without permanent residences, to ensure broader inclusion in the national identity system.

In addition, the Act gives legal backing to the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the theme, **”One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”**

The Commission said Nigerians should expect easier access to identity services, including for citizens living abroad, stronger protection of personal information, improved cybersecurity, faster identity verification, enhanced digital transactions and better interoperability across public and private institutions.

It added that the reforms would reduce identity-related fraud, improve the ease of doing business, support digital innovation and provide a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

NIMC assured citizens that implementation of the law would be guided by transparency, inclusivity, professionalism and citizen-centred service delivery.

“The implementation of the Act will be guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, professionalism, innovation and citizen-centred service delivery,” the Commission said.

It expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for signing what it described as a historic legislation, saying the law strengthens Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure by designating NIMC as the country’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.

The Commission also commended the leadership of the National Assembly, the Joint Committee on Identity and National Population Commission, the Minister of the Interior, development partners, stakeholders and its staff for their contributions to the successful passage of the legislation.

NIMC disclosed that regulations and implementation guidelines would be issued in due course to ensure a seamless transition to the new legal framework while sustaining engagement with government agencies, the private sector and development partners.